Toxic Baits Research Articles

Rodent management modules against Bandicota bengalensis Gray & Hardwicke in Rice

Treatments efficacy assessed for rodent incidence and tiller damage revealed that all the treatments caused significant reduction of rat live burrows and rat tiller damage over control. Integration of rodent management techniques in Module-1 (trapping- bromadiolone poison baiting - burrow smoking) and Module-2 (Zinc Phosphide poison baiting-bromadiolone poison baiting-Aluminium Phosphide burrow application) found promising with significantly lowered rodent incidence and crop damage. % reduction in live burrows was 68.6 and 71.1 during 2017–18 and 61.8 and 65.8 during 2018–19 in Module-1 and 2, respectively. Tiller damage protection % was 65.9 and 68.9 in 2017–18 and 67.2 and 69.9 during 2018–19 for these treatments. Continuous application of rodenticides solo in M-5 (ALP) and M-4 (bromadiolone) also showed superior performance in containing the rodent damage and they are at par with the integrated treatments at certain crop stages. All the treatments recorded significant yield advantage over the control, but the benefit cost ratio were found relatively higher in the rodenticide treatments, highest (8:1) in the Module-2.

Rivers as obstacles to home range expansion by the brushtail possum

Strategies for defending large tracts of land from mammalian pest incursion are urgently needed. We report on a study investigating whether brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) range expansion into a controlled area was restricted by a watercourse. The true left of the Orongorongo River valley was treated with 1080 poison baits, and a 250 ha area bordering the river on the true right was excluded from treatment. Nontoxic cereal bait containing pyranine biomarker was sown repeatedly over half of the excluded area for nine weeks after poisoning.

Isolation and enumeration of bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections from houseflies and determining their susceptibility to poison bait

Abstract. Haeidari A, Keshavarzi D, Owlia P, Vatandoost H, Rafinejad A, Rafinejad J. 2020. Isolation and enumeration of bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections from houseflies and determining their susceptibility to poison bait. Nusantara Bioscience 13: 24-28. Nosocomial infections represent a serious public health concern in developing countries. Houseflies are one of the most common household pests carrying different pathogenic organisms. The purpose of this study was to isolate and enumerate bacteria species from house flies and to determine their susceptibility to Agita® fly bait. Flies were collected from two hospital environments between July to December 2014, in Yazd Province of Iran. Bacterial species were isolated from the outer surfaces of flies, and Agita® efficacy was evaluated based on lethal time (LT50) after 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 minutes. Three species of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) responsible for nosocomial infections have been isolated and enumerated from flies. Among the 30 flies collected, 17, 24, and 3 flies were contaminated with E. coli, S. aureus, and Ps. aeruginosa, respectively. The minimum number of isolated bacteria was 3 × 102 CFU/mL, whereas the highest number was 2.4 × 105 CFU/mL. The susceptibility results showed that, despite the existence of a significant effect for heterogeneity in both field and laboratory strains (p-value ˂ 0/05) and an increase in the mortality of houseflies during the time, there was no significant difference between two strains regarding the efficacy of Agita® against houseflies. The findings of the present study revealed and confirmed that houseflies have an important role in the spread of nosocomial infections in hospital environments, and they are susceptible to Agita® fly bait.

Applicability of attractive toxic sugar baits as a mosquito vector control tool in the context of India: a review.

Vector-borne diseases (VBD) constitute 17% of all infectious diseases that pose a major public health concern around the world. In India, VBD like malaria and dengue continue to account for a significant disease burden. Management of these diseases is dependent in part upon effective vector control and hence several vector control strategies are in use for controlling mosquito populations. However, vectors evolve over time and become capable of averting many of the used control measures, leading to a constant need to find for novel and improved interventions. Attractive toxic sugar bait (ATSB) is a novel vector control strategy that is highly effective at regulating vector density in a particular area. ATSBs exploit the sugar feeding behaviour of mosquitoes. They are developed by combining small amounts of toxins with sugar. A chemical attractant is also included to lure the mosquito into the toxic sugary trap. Although effective, ATSB testing has been limited in scope around the world and ATSBs are completely unexplored in India. In this review, we provide an in-depth account of the development of ATSBs. We highlight the potential of ATSBs in controlling major Indian vectors of malaria and dengue, and we discuss possible challenges that could affect the efficacy of ATSBs in India. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Individuals as Well as Groups of Workers and Immatures of Atta sexdens rubropilosa Leaf-Cutting Ants.

Simple SummaryThe used active ingredient sulfluramid for toxic baits for the control of leaf-cutting ants has been included in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The use of entomopathogenic fungi to control these insects has shown promising results, Trichoderma harzianum showed high pathogenicity against A. sexdens rubropilosa larvae and pupae, leading to a faster mortality and a decrease in survival rates. Beauveria bassiana was responsible for causing faster worker mortality and lower survival rates. An individual contaminated with B. bassiana or T. harzianum in a group decreases its survival rate, supporting the hypothesis that entomopathogenic fungi are efficient in controlling leaf-cutting ants when contaminated workers are allocated to groups of healthy workers.In 2009, sulfluramid, the main ingredient in toxic baits for leaf-cutting ant control, was included in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This resulted in interest in the use of entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma harzianum for leaf-cutting ant control. The efficiency of these fungi in controlling these insects and the way that ants react individually or in group to the biological risks posed by these fungi is poorly understood. For this reason, we assessed the effects of B. bassiana and T. harzianum on Atta sexdens rubropilosa larvae, pupae and workers. Moreover, we investigated whether the number of contaminated individuals within a group has an influence in controlling the spread of fungi among workers. We found that the fungus T. harzianum showed high pathogenicity against A. sexdens rubropilosa larvae and pupae, leading to faster mortality and a survival rates. On the other hand, the fungus B. bassiana was responsible for causing faster worker mortality and lower survival rates. In addition, we observed that an increase in individuals contaminated with B. bassiana or T. harzianum in the group decreases its survival rate. The results support the hypothesis that entomopathogenic fungi are efficient in controlling leaf-cutting ants when contaminated workers are allocated to groups of healthy workers.

Development of a Poisoned Bait Strategy against the Silverfish Ctenolepisma longicaudata (Escherich, 1905)

Simple SummaryCtenolepisma longicaudata is emerging as a nuisance pest in private homes in some European countries, and it is considered a serious problem in museums and libraries where it can do damage to objects of historical value. It is a silverfish that may be difficult to eradicate because it utilizes many parts of a building. Heavy use of pesticides is undesirable from a health perspective, and baits with low concentrations of toxins are consequently preferable. To safeguard the indoor environment during management, the present study describes procedures for the efficient control of Ctenolepisma longicaudata with small amounts of bait. This is as efficient, as sprayable pesticides and declines with more than 90% reduction of the pest population can be achieved within 15 to 20 weeks. Successful eradication can be achieved with as little as 0.5 to 1.0 g bait per 100 m2.Pest management strives to be an efficient, yet healthy and environmentally safe control method, and the use of poisoned bait often fulfils these criteria. In the present study, we show that bait with indoxacarb as the active ingredient is highly efficient for controlling Ctenolepisma longicaudata (Escherich, 1905) and two of its relatives, Lepisma saccharina (Linnaeus, 1758) and Ctenolepisma calva (Ritter, 1910). Applying small bait droplets (size ~10 mg) along the walls of several types of buildings, at no more than 0.5 to 1.0 g bait per 100 m2, was a cost-efficient and safe strategy for the knockdown and eradication of C. longicaudata. During field experiments, the demography changed from an initial mixture of different stages to total dominance of early instars preceding the population collapse. Poisonous bait outcompeted mass-trapping with sticky-traps and conventional insect spray treatment for the efficient control of C. longicaudata in apartments. Different droplet densities (1 vs. 0.5/m2) and active ingredients (indoxacarb vs. clothianidin) did not have different effects in field experiments. These results show that poisoned bait is a highly relevant tool for managing C. longicaudata and potentially against other silverfish infestations.

Main mortality factors for the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca Savigny, 1809) in Bulgaria

Abstract The Eastern Imperial Eagle is a globally threatened species, represented with not more than 35–40 pairs in Bulgaria. As a facultative scavenger feeding on carcasses and parts of dead domestic and wild animals, this species is extremely vulnerable to poisonous baits and toxic agents, intentionally or accidentally set up in its food. The present study identified electrocution and poisoning as the main mortality factors for the eagles in Bulgaria. We analysed a total of 56 cases among which 44 cases were related to the mortality of non-territorial eagles in different age classes, and we found 12 dead or distressed territorial birds recorded between 1992–2019. The main mortality factor was electrocution, accounted for 30.4% of fatalities. The poisoning was the cause of mortality in 12.5% of the non-territorial and 10.7% of the breeding birds. Some of the cases were laboratory confirmed as intoxication, while the others, based on the history, clinical symptoms and field evidence, indicated poisoning. The most commonly used toxic agents were anticholinesterase’s inhibitors. As a result of a timely therapy applied to the live birds found in distress with symptoms of poisoning, six eagles were successfully treated and released back in the wild. We found that mortality of eagles depended on the age of birds, breeding or dispersal grounds, while season had no significant effect.

Disregarding reservoirs of disease vectors: A surveillance paradox in Africa.

Disregarding reservoirs of disease vectors: A surveillance paradox in Africa.

Modeling the strategies to eradicate rats introduced in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are well known for their incredible biodiversity and the inspiration for Charles Darwin's natural evolution theory. It is an ecosystem that has evolved without predators, so their native species are unfit for competition. As a result, this biodiversity has been threatened by invasive species like rats (Black and Norwegian). Nowadays, the primary strategy to control rats is by having drones that disperse a unique poisoned bait. Our study aims to mathematically model the strategies to eradicate rats in islands, based on previously reported processes. As a result, we are obtaining the approximated time to reduce its population as much as being eradicated, without threatening the coexisting species. We also propose a suitable alternative to be applied in the Galapagos Islands to recover their biodiversity richness. We find that rats' introduction has caused a decrease in the native species due to having specific traits that make them fitter in different situations. The best method to control species in such a sensitive environment is by the use of anticoagulant rodenticides. The current method used for eradicating rats seems to be the most profitable even though there is not enough information to see the collateral consequences of the poison technique. Furthermore, we propose this theoretical study complemented with in situ samplings to corroborate our hypothesis and improve our prediction model.

Hydrogel baits pose minimal risk to non‐target insects and beneficial species

AbstractInvasive ants are a significant pest around the world and have negative impact on natural and agricultural environments. Chemical control is mainly accomplished with residual sprays and toxic baits. Hydrogel baits are a novel bait formulation that has proven highly effective against multiple invasive ant species, but potential non‐target effects have not been investigated. The baits are typically saturated in 25% sucrose solution which makes them attractive to foraging ants and potentially non‐target organisms such as pollinators. The objective of the current study was to perform field studies to assess the potential attractiveness of hydrogel baits to various pollinating and non‐pollinating arthropods in a variety of ecosystems, including tallgrass prairies, urban pollinator gardens, and commercial apiaries. The study focused on social Hymenoptera as pesticides are acutely toxic to various Hymenoptera and have been implicated as one of the contributing factors in pollinator declines. Results show that Diptera were overwhelmingly the most common visitors and accounted for >40% of all visitors. Other common groups included beetles and yellowjackets. Common pollinating insects such as honeybees, solitary bees, and butterflies rarely visited the baits and accounted for ca. 3% of all visits and were never found on ground baits. Results show that the risk to pollinators is relatively low; most arthropods attracted to the baits were taxa that are extremely abundant, not of conservation concern, and in some cases pestiferous or invasive. The deployment of hydrogels for invasive ant control in areas where multiple invasive insect taxa are present may have the additional benefit of controlling multiple pests.

Electrophysiological Responses to Cuelure of Raspberry Ketone-Fed Queensland Fruit Flies.

The sterile insect technique (SIT) and male annihilation technique (MAT) are important tools for the control of Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a major insect pest of horticultural crops in Australia. In MAT, mature Q-fly males are attracted to a toxic bait using Cuelure, a synthetic analog of raspberry ketone (RK). Substantial improvements in control could be achieved by simultaneous use of SIT and MAT, but this requires suppression of the Cuelure response in released sterile flies. Recent studies report that prerelease feeding with RK during the first 48 h after emergence can reduce the response of mature Q-fly males to Cuelure, but the mechanism underpinning this is unknown. Here, to test whether reduced sensory sensitivity to Cuelure is involved, we evaluated the effects of RK supplements, adult diet (yeast-supplemented diet throughout adult stage vs yeast-supplemented diet only for 48 h), and age on electroantennogram (EAG) and electropalpogram (EPG) responses of Q-flies to Cuelure stimuli. EAG responses did not vary with RK supplements, sex, or age of Q-flies fed yeast-supplemented diet throughout the adult stage, but the responses of Q-flies fed other diet regime decreased with age. EPG responses of both sexes of Q-flies were affected by RK supplements, age, and their interaction, but without patterns that might indicate reduced maxillary palp response of RK supplemented flies to Cuelure. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that reduced Cuelure response of male Q-flies fed RK supplements is explained by reduced electrophysiological response in antennae or maxillary palps.

Sugar feeding patterns of New York Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are affected by saturation deficit, flowers, and host seeking.

BackgroundSugar feeding is an important behavior which may determine vector potential of female mosquitoes. Sugar meals can reduce blood feeding frequency, enhance survival, and decrease fecundity, as well as provide energetic reserves to fuel energy intensive behaviors such as mating and host seeking. Sugar feeding behavior can be harnessed for vector control (e.g. attractive toxic sugar baits). Few studies have addressed sugar feeding of Aedes albopictus, a vector of arboviruses of public health importance, including dengue and Zika viruses. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed sugar feeding patterns of Ae. albopictus for the first time in its invasive northeastern USA range.Methodology/Principal findingsUsing the cold anthrone fructose assay with robust sample sizes, we demonstrated that a large percentage of both male (49.6%) and female (41.8%) Ae. albopictus fed on plant or homopteran derived sugar sources within 24 hrs prior to capture. Our results suggest that sugar feeding behavior increases when environmental conditions are dry (high saturation deficit) and may vary by behavioral status (host seeking vs. resting). Furthermore, mosquitoes collected on properties with flowers (>3 blooms) had higher fructose concentrations compared to those collected from properties with few to no flowers (0–3).Conclusions/SignificanceOur results provide the first evidence of Ae. albopictus sugar feeding behavior in the Northeastern US and reveal relatively high rates of sugar feeding. These results suggest the potential success for regional deployment of toxic sugar baits. In addition, we demonstrate the impact of several environmental and mosquito parameters (saturation deficit, presence of flowers, host seeking status, and sex) on sugar feeding. Placing sugar feeding behavior in the context of these environmental and mosquito parameters provides further insight into spatiotemporal dynamics of feeding behavior for Ae. albopictus, and in turn, provides information for evidence-based control decisions.

Killing of raptors on grouse moors: evidence and effects

Owing to the intensity of game management in Britain, managers of grouse moors have illegally killed raptors to increase the numbers of Red GrouseLagopus l. scoticaavailable for shooting. This paper summarizes evidence for the recent scale of illegal raptor killing on grouse moors and its effects on populations. It provides insights into how raptors themselves respond demographically to different levels of killing. Over Britain as a whole, most raptors have increased and expanded considerably since the 1970s, in response to reduced killing and nest destruction, and the diminished impacts of organo‐chlorine pesticides; however, in recent decades the populations of some species have declined on and around grouse moors. This is widely evident in Hen HarrierCircus cyaneus, Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinusand Golden EagleAquila chrysaetospopulations and in more restricted areas also in Northern GoshawkAccipiter gentilisand Red KiteMilvus milvuspopulations, in all of which illegal killing has been sufficient to affect numbers over wider areas. The evidence consists mainly of: (1) greater disappearance of nesting pairs, lower breeding densities or reduced occupancy of apparently suitable traditional territories on grouse moors compared with other areas; (2) reduced nest success compared with other areas; (3) reduced adult survival compared with other areas; (4) reduced age of first breeding, reflecting the removal of adults from nesting territories and their replacement by birds in immature plumage; (5) greater levels of disappearance of satellite‐tracked birds on grouse moors than elsewhere; and (6) the finding of poisoned baits and traps, and shot or poisoned carcasses of raptors. Not all these types of evidence are available for every species, and other types of evidence are available for some. The Common BuzzardButeo buteois currently the most numerous raptor in Britain and also seems to be killed in the greatest numbers. Other raptor species, including MerlinFalco columbarius, Common KestrelFalco tinnunculusand Eurasian SparrowhawkAccipiter nisuswhich nest on or near grouse moors, have little or no significant impact on grouse and are killed less often or not at all. In the absence of illegal killing, some raptor species breed as well or better on grouse moors than in other habitats. Merlins, in particular, seem to thrive on grouse moors, benefiting from the management involved (including predator control). Other aspects of illegal raptor killing are discussed, including suggestions for ways in which it might be reduced.

Evaluation of a newly modified eight-chamber-olfactometer for attracting German cockroaches Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Attractive Toxic Bait (ATB) is a low risk practical method to cockroach control. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy of a newly modified eight-chamber-olfactometer for attractiveness experiments. Different stages of German cockroaches were exposed to carbohydrate-rich and protein-rich foods and their attractions were tested both at ambient conditions and in the modified olfactometer. In the latter method, cockroaches were released into the main chamber of olfactometer and their attraction to food compounds placed in test chambers were recorded as the number of captured cockroaches in test chambers. The direct attractiveness test was performed in plastic pans. Repellency of fipronil insecticide was performed with prepared bait powder using olfactometer. Data were subjected to analysis of variance with Tukey’s Test,P ≤ 0.05. Different notes should be considered when using introduced olfactometer like precision when opening the test chambers valves, the fan speed, placement of cardboard shelter in both test and main chambers, and initial starvation of cockroaches. Roasted peanut, banana and biscuits powder were the most attractive foods for cockroaches. The females significantly preferred roasted peanut and the males significantly preferred banana and roasted peanut. These results were similar to the results of direct attracted cockroaches. The cockroaches have repellency to fipronil but attractiveness of bait with 0.01% concentration was significantly higher than cockroach diet. Generally, three factors should be considered in formulation of ATB like un-repellency of the a.i, attractiveness of bait compositions, and palatability of bait texture. The olfactometer introduced in this study could be used by researchers to study cockroach behaviors.

Mass trapping is a viable alternative to insecticides for management of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) in apple orchards in Brazil

We evaluated a new integrated pest-management system for Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830), the main insect pest of apple crops in Brazil. Our strategy combined mass trapping and application of toxic baits in crop systems without (Area 1) and with (Area 3) anti-hail netting. The treatments were compared with the conventional management (applications of toxic baits and insecticides as cover sprays) in two areas without (Area 2) and with (Area 4) anti-hail netting. The study was conducted for two consecutive years (2017–2018 and 2018–2019 seasons). In areas with mass trapping (Area 1 and Area 3), 120 PET traps (600 mL), baited with 300 mL of CeraTrap® hydrolyzed protein, were used per hectare. Fewer A. fraterculus adults were caught in crop systems without anti-hail netting using McPhail monitoring traps in Area 1 (mass trapping) than under conventional management (Area 2). The infestation of A. fraterculus was similar in areas with anti-hail netting with mass trapping (A3) and under conventional management (A4). In the 2017–2018 season, the areas with mass trapping (A1 and A3) had fewer damaged fruits (%) either without (0.4%) and with (0.7%) anti-hail netting than in the areas with conventional management (A2 and A4) without (1.7%) and with (0.8%) anti-hail netting. However, in the 2018–2019 season, fruit damage was similar in all areas studied. Mass trapping combined with the use of toxic baits can be an alternative to the conventional management of A. fraterculus.

A novel modelling framework to explicitly simulate predator interaction with poison baits

Abstract ContextManagement of human–wildlife conflicts is of critical importance for both wildlife conservation and agricultural production. Population models are commonly used to simulate population dynamics and their responses to management actions. However, it is essential that this class of models captures the drivers and mechanisms necessary to reliably forecast future system dynamics. AimsWe aimed to develop a flexible modelling framework with the capacity to explicitly simulate individual interactions with baits (with or without the presence of other management tools), for which parameter estimates from field data are available. We also intended for the model to potentially accommodate multi-species interaction and avoidance behaviours. MethodsWe expanded an existing spatially explicit, individual-based model to directly simulate bait deployment, animal movements and bait consumption. We demonstrated the utility of this model using a case study from Western Australia where we considered two possible exclusion-fence scenarios, namely, the completion of a landscape-scale and smaller-scale fences. Within each of these proposed cells, using data obtained from a camera-trap study, we evaluated the performance of two levels of baiting to control wild dogs (Canis familiaris), in contrast with the option of no control. ResultsThe present study represents a substantial step forward in accurately modelling predator dynamics. When applying our model to the case study, for example, it was straightforward to investigate whether outcomes were sensitive to the bait-encounter probability. We could further explore interactions between baiting regimes and different fence designs and demonstrate how wild dog eradication could be achieved in the smaller cell under the more intense control scenarios. In contrast, the landscape-scale fence had only minor effects unless it was implemented as a preventive measure in an area where wild dogs were not already established. ConclusionsThe new component of the model presented here provides fine-scale control of single components of individual–bait interactions. ImplicationsThe effect of management actions (e.g. lures) that affect this process can be easily investigated. Multi-species modelling and avoidance behaviours can readily be implemented, making the present study widely relevant for a range of contexts such as multi-species competition or non-target bait uptake.

Safe and cost effective management of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using green insecticide baits

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a new invasive species in India. This pest is occurring in serious proportions, causing significant damage to the maize crop in several states across the country. Insecticides are applied several times for managing the fall armyworm on maize, which significantly increases the cost of plant protection. In this study green chemistry molecules were directly applied to the leaf whorls in the form of poison baits, in the place of foliar sprays. Main objective of this study was to reduce the cost of plant protection by changing the method of chemical delivery and to make the produce safe for consumption by using green chemistry (slightly toxic) insecticides. Poison baits prepared using spinetoram 5 ml/kg, 2.5 ml/kg and novaluron 5 ml/kg recorded maximum larval mortality and minimized the leaf damage by fall armyworm. These insecticides contributed for 97.20, 93.15 and 92.46 per cent reduction in larval population over untreated control, respectively at 14 days after second application. Comparative efficacy of insecticide when applied as baits vis-a-vis foliar sprays suggested that the difference was non-significant in spinetoram, novaluron and chlorantraniliprole. There was substantial reduction in the cost of plant protection ranging from 22 to 44 per cent in bait application over foliar spray involving same insecticide. Overall, this study opens up new opportunity for reducing the cost of plant protection while managing fall armyworm on maze.

Push-pull to manage leaf-cutting ants: an effective strategy in forestry plantations.

Leaf-cutting ants (LCAs) are amongst the most important forestry pests in South America. Currently, their control is carried out almost exclusively through the application of toxic baits of restricted use. Here we evaluate a push-pull strategy (i.e., the simultaneous use of attractant and repellent stimuli in order to divert pests) to manage LCAs Acromyrmex spp. in young willow plantations in the area of Delta of the Parana River, Argentina, a wetland ecosystem. First, we surveyed ants' selection of farmland vegetation during one year. Then, we estimated ants' preferences between the willow Salix babylonica and a subsample of plant species from farmland vegetation under laboratory conditions. Finally, we designed and performed a fully crossed experimental field assay to evaluate a push-pull strategy by using farmland vegetation as pull stimulus. We surveyed 39 plant species in the area, 19 of which had been foraged by LCAs along the year. Plants were selected by species, not by abundance. In the lab, ants showed similar preference for the cultivated willow and the subsample of plant species. Push-pull was the only treatment that maintained willow remaining vegetation above 60-80% at the end of the growing season. For the first time the push-pull strategy was evaluated in social insects. We demonstrated that it can be successfully used to manage LCAs in young willow plantations. Our strategy generates biodiversity, which can improve the ecosystem functioning, and it can be easily implemented by producers since its design is based on regular willow plantations.

Sustainable Termite Management Using Innovative and Selective Termite Baiting Method

In a natural ecosystem, termites play an important role as a decomposer since termite can digest cellulose. Termites can be considered as pests once they had exerted substancial economical damages, such as Coptotermes spp known to be a major termite pests. Termites will cause a serious problem when the infestation occurred in urban areas as they give negative economic effects, reducing the value aesthetic of the buildings which lead to expensive building maintenance and repair. Chemical controls are the most common method used against pests of urban forests in Malaysia. The objectives of this studies are to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment by treating one active station out of all active termite stations (selective baiting) by using chlorfluazuron termite baits. Form the result, a termite colony population can be eliminated in selective termite baiting treatment. Elimination of termite population by selective termite baiting treatment was successful with the aid of termite behavior of trophallaxis which is the sharing of the bait toxicants among the termite nest mates. This sharing of toxicant among the nest mates circulates the active ingredients throughout the colony thus eradicate the colony along the process. Regardless of how many in ground station and above ground stations, baits placement in one out of all active stations was more than enough to kill the colony as all interceptor’s station shares the same tunnelling pathways which lead to the same colony. Chlorfluazuron baits need an average 4-8.6 weeks to eliminate termite infestation at the study sites. Furthermore, this method can cut the cost on total termiticide (bait) used. Thus, time can be save the during the baiting inspections due only single station to be monitored as reduction of termite activities in one station represent the reduction of activity in other stations only if the termite are originated from the same colony

Pesticide use is linked to increased body size in a large mammalian carnivore

AbstractPollution and pesticide use have been linked to evolution of chemical resistance and phenotypic shifts in invertebrates, but less so in vertebrates. Here we provide evidence that poisoning directed towards a mammalian carnivore, the dingo (Canis dingo), is linked to an increase in dingo body mass. We compared the skull length of dingoes, a proxy for size, from three regions where dingo populations were controlled by distributing poisoned meat baits and an unbaited region, before and after the introduction of the toxin sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080). Following 1080 introduction, dingo skull length increased in baited regions but not in the unbaited region. We estimate that after 1080 introduction, the skull length of female and male dingoes in baited regions increased by 4.49 and 3.6 mm, respectively. This equates to a 1.02- and 0.86-kg increase in mean body masses of female and male dingoes, respectively. We hypothesize that dingo body size has increased in baited regions due to 1080 selecting for animals with larger body size or because a reduction in dingo abundance in baited areas may have removed constraints on growth imposed by intraspecific competition and prey availability. Our study provides evidence that pesticide use can prompt phenotypic change in comparatively large and long-lived large vertebrates.